Discrimination has no place in our European democracy: condemn the website of Geert Wilders
The Dutch anti-migration party of Geert Wilders has launched a website where Dutch people can file anonymously complaints on workers from Central and Eastern Europe. To make it easy for prospective ‘plaintiffs’ to remember what exactly it is they are resenting, the platform provides handy categories, e.g. public intoxication, disturbing the public peace, spurring job losses etc.
This website is clearly discriminatory, supporting prejudices, not facts. It encourages the singling out of workers with a different national background , and creates a climate of distrust and suspicion instead of solidarity and mutual respect. Through this petition, we seek to position ourselves against this outrageous initiative and call upon Prime Minister Mark Rutte to do so as the political leader of the Netherlands.
The free movement of workers and their families is one of the core values of the EU. As such, this fundamental right is guaranteed to EU citizens by the Treaties. This initiative is clearly offensive against people who have every right to work and reside in the Netherlands. Equality of people is undermined by initiatives like this.
Statistics Netherlands, the Dutch agency for statics, revealed that an increase in labour migration does not mean an increase in unemployment. To the contrary, when there is less work, fewer workers come to the Netherlands.
[1] Again the “Polish Plumber”
[2] is the scapegoat of a nationalist politician, who is losing votes in the polls.
Mark Rutte has so far said nothing to condemn this website. His government exists because they are supported on a great number of issues by the Freedom Party of Geert Wilders. This action by Geert Wilders has impact on the citizens living in the Netherlands and supports their unequal treatment. As prime minister, Mark Rutte should stand up against this discrimination those living under his jurisdiction and responsibility.
At a time where European solidarity is coming under strain in the context of the financial crisis, European citizens and European leaders must be totally unequivocal in their condemnation of discrimination, no matter who it comes from and at whom it is directed against. European Alternatives and its Transeuropa Network, together with citizens and residents from across Europe, hereby ask Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte to speak up against the supporting party of his minority government. It is not acceptable for EU citizens, who should be treated equally within the EU, to be discriminated against. We also ask all leaders of the EU member states to ask Mark Rutte to distance himself from this.
[This petition will be send to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and all leaders of the members states of the EU.]
Privacy policy
This privacy policy sets out how [business name] uses and protects any information that you give [business name] when you use this website.
[business name] is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.
[business name] may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from [date].
Thank you for signing the petition
Need a new account?
English
Français
Italiano
Română
Facebook
Twitter
